Abstract: Histopathologically both hidroacanthoma simplex (HS) and clonal seborrheic keratosis (CSK) are characterized by intraepidermal nests of tumor cells. Although they show subtle microscopic differences, they can be difficult to accurately differentiate. Previous immunohistochemical studies have been inconclusive. We conducted an immunohistochemical study with GATA3 and p63 on cases of HS and CSK tentatively identified by their microscopic appearances and cases of eccrine poroma and seborrheic keratosis as their respective controls. The clinical, histopathological, and dermoscopic findings of these cases were also reviewed. All cases of HS and poroma were negative for GATA3, whereas all cases of CSK and seborrheic keratosis were positive for GATA3. HS, CSK, and their controls were all positive for p63. Microscopic, clinical, and dermoscopic differences were also found between HS and CSK. Our study demonstrated that GATA3 is useful for differentiating HS from CSK. Our initial microscopic observations also proved to be reliable, but immunostaining with GATA3 is helpful for confirming the diagnosis or establishing the diagnosis of uncertain cases. Awareness of the clinical and dermoscopic features of these 2 entities could also avoid misdiagnosis based solely on pathological observation.
Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.
Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) is a type of severe drug adverse reaction with high morbidity and mortality. DIHS patients have been reported to subsequently develop autoimmune disease, which may be followed by end-organ decompensation. We report a 47-year-old woman who presented with fever, generalized maculopapular eruption, facial edema and eosinophilia with liver function impairment after taking celecoxib and sulfasalazine for 1 month. The patient was diagnosed with definite DIHS. The patient was treated with immunosuppressants including systemic corticosteroid for approximately 1.5 years due to recurrent episodes. Reactivation of human herpesvirus 6 and possible reactivation of cytomegalovirus were detected. Generalized hypopigmentation of the skin and leukotrichia were noted 4 months after the onset of DIHS. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of vitiligo. Some spontaneous repigmentation was noted 4 years after DIHS without specific treatment. Further immunoserology study showed elevated plasma C-X-C motif chemokine 10 level, which is related to vitiligo activity, in our patient. The occurrence of widespread vitiligo after DIHS is an extremely rare condition. This case provides an important reminder for physicians to monitor such severe complications after DIHS.
The significance of granuloma and amyloid deposition in primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has yet to be investigated. This study aimed to evaluate their clinicopathologic associations. The histopathologic findings of 747 consecutive patients with primary NPC were retrospectively reviewed between January 2001 and December 2015. The presence of granulomas and amyloid deposits was observed in 68 (9.1%) and 62 (8.3%) patients, respectively. Granulomas were significantly associated with lower T classification, N classification, and overall TNM stage (p = 0.014, p = 0.006, and p = 0.001, respectively). Their presence was an independent predictor of overall survival (p = 0.033), disease-free survival (p = 0.034), and recurrence-free survival (p = 0.040). Conversely, amyloid deposition was not a predictor in any survival analyses. The present study demonstrated the prevalence of granuloma and amyloid deposition in the largest single institution cohort of primary NPC patients so far. Our results provide evidence that granulomas are significantly associated with better prognosis and treatment outcome. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of action of granuloma formation on the anti-tumor immunity of NPC.
Linear immunoglobulin A bullous dermatosis is a rare autoimmune disease with a good response to dapsone. We present the case of a female patient who was diagnosed with bullous pemphigoid and initially treated with systemic steroids; however, a poor response to the medication led to treatment discontinuation and loss to follow-up. The patient had lost vision in the left eye 2 years before this study and recently experienced decreased vision in the right eye.
Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare malignant skin neoplasm arising from sebaceous glands. Its clinical diagnosis is difficult and reports of dermoscopic findings have been limited. This study aims to analyze its dermoscopic features and differential diagnosis in dermoscopic examination. The study included patients diagnosed with histologically proven sebaceous carcinomas as well as diagnosed cases of sebaceous hyperplasia, sebaceoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma for comparison of dermoscopic findings. The dermoscopic criterion of presence of sebaceous carcinoma was scored only if the two evaluators reached a consensus. Fifteen cases of histologically diagnosed sebaceous carcinoma were included in our study. All cases were extraocular sebaceous carcinoma. A total of 60 (15 basal cell carcinomas, 15 squamous cell carcinomas, 15 sebaceous hyperplasias and 15 sebaceomas) cases were collected for comparing dermoscopic features with sebaceous carcinoma. In dermoscopic analysis of sebaceous carcinoma, the majority of tumors (66.67%) presented polymorphic vessel pattern. Other features included whitish‐pink areas (80%), yellowish structures (73.33%) and yellowish structureless areas (60%). Yellowish structures in sebaceous carcinomas are the main dermoscopic findings to differentiate squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas (P < 0.001), whereas purplish globules, shiny white blotches and strands and whitish‐pink area distinguish sebaceous carcinomas from other sebaceous tumors (P < 0.05).
We report a case of idiopathic lymphoplasmacellular mucositis (ILPM) of the vulva in a 48-year-old woman with partial interferon-γ receptor 1 (IFN-γR1) deficiency. The lesion had an unusual ulcerovegetative presentation. Remarkable response was observed with oral and topical steroids in the first 3 weeks. However, the lesion recurred after tapering oral steroids and continuous low-dose oral steroids were required to suppress recurrence. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of ILPM in a patient with partial IFN-γR1 deficiency. ILPM should be included in the differential diagnosis of persistent vulvar ulcerovegetative lesions.
Post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is one of the most common de novo malignancies in patients who receive immunosuppressive therapy after solid organ transplantation. We report a case of a 5‐year‐old girl who presented with indurated violaceous skin nodules 3.5 years post–liver transplantation, diagnosed as polymorphic PTLD, also involving Waldeyer's ring, spleen, and multiple lymph nodes. Through reduction of immunosuppression, most of the lesions resolved and the liver allograft was preserved.
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after liver transplantation (LT) is a rare complication with high mortality and is clinically characterized by fever, skin rash, and diarrhea. The clinical manifestations of GVHD after LT are nonspecific and may resemble viral infection or adverse drug reaction, posing a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We report a 60-year-old male who presented with generalized erythematous to violaceous macules and papules accompanied by fever and diarrhea after orthotopic LT. A skin biopsy and human leukocyte antigen typing of peripheral blood confirmed a Grade 2 GVHD. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of GVHD following LT are discussed. While potentially under-recognized, clinicians should be aware of this rare but potentially fatal complication, as prompt intervention may improve outcomes in LT.
AIMS:In thymic carcinomas, focal clear cell change is a frequent finding. In addition to a prominent, diffuse clear cell morphology, some of these carcinomas show an exuberant hyalinised extracellular matrix, and therefore probably represent a separate entity. However, a characteristic genomic alteration remains elusive. We hypothesised that, analogous to hyalinising clear cell carcinomas of the salivary gland, hyalinising clear cell carcinomas of the thymus might also harbour EWSR1 translocations.METHODS AND RESULTS:We identified nine archived cases of thymic carcinoma with focal clear cell features and two cases that showed remarkable hyalinised stroma and prominent, diffuse clear cell morphology. These two cases expressed p40 and were negative for Pax8, CD5, and CD117. Programmed death-ligand 1 was highly positive in one case (70%), and negative in the other one. EWSR1 translocation was identified in both cases of hyalinising clear cell carcinoma, and was absent in all nine carcinomas that showed clear cell features without substantial hyalinisation. In one of the EWSR1-translocated cases, a fusion between exon 13 and exon 6 of EWSR1 and ATF1, respectively was identified by next-generation sequencing.CONCLUSIONS:These findings suggest that the EWSR1 translocation and possibly the EWSR1-ATF1 fusion might be unifying genomic alterations for thymic clear cell carcinomas with prominent hyalinised stroma, for which we propose the term 'hyalinising clear cell carcinoma of the thymus'. Because the immunophenotype is unspecific, testing for the EWSR1 translocation might be helpful in discriminating this entity from other thymic neoplasms or metastases, in particular those with clear cell change.
The expanding use of novel targeted anticancer agents such as sorafenib has led to an increasing number of dermatologic adverse events. Although cutaneous adverse events are commonly described in patients taking sorafenib, there are few reports describing psoriasis secondary to this medication. In this report, we describe 3 patients with sorafenib-induced psoriasiform drug eruption and review the available literature of similar patient cases. Our findings highlight shared characteristics among affected patients and potential treatment options for patients in whom sorafenib cannot be discontinued. Increased awareness of such drug eruptions and management options is critical to prevent suboptimal dosing and decreased quality of life.
Acquired perforating calcific collagenosis (APCC), which is characterized by the calcification of dermal collagen fibers with subsequent transepidermal elimination and perforation, is an extremely rare entity. Thus far, it has only been reported in a patient with direct contact exposure to calcium chloride. Here, we report a unique case of APCC occurring in a drug addict admitted for rhabdomyolysis. The present case is a 20-year-old male patient hospitalized for drug-related rhabdomyolysis and multiple organ damage. During hospitalization, he gradually developed unusual skin rashes. There were multiple confluent umbilicated and keratotic erythematous to brownish papules and plaques with scratch-like linear plaques on his lower abdomen, inguinal areas and gluteal sulci. Also, multiple well-demarcated flesh-colored rough, hard and thin plaques with a "crepe paper"-like texture were found on the bilateral popliteal fossae, olecranon fossae and axillae. The histopathology of two biopsied lesions demonstrated acquired perforating calcific collagenosis. The lesions appeared during the rhabdomyolysis-related hypercalcemia phase and resolved spontaneously after the calcium level returned to normal. This is the first reported case of disseminated APCC occurring during transient hypercalcemia due to rhabdomyolysis.
BACKGROUND:Clear cell acanthoma (CCA) of the nipple/areola has been reported. The CCA-like histology more likely represents a feature of eczematous dermatitis of the nipple/areola. OBJECTIVE:We reviewed cases of CCA-like lesions of the nipple/areola and compared them with classic CCA to clarify their relationship. METHODS:The clinicopathological features of 12 cases of CCA-like lesions of the nipple/areola were compared with classic CCA. The literature on this condition was reviewed, and the results of various treatments were analyzed. RESULTS:CCA-like lesions of the nipple/areola were clinically different from those of classic CCA. Although they shared the glycogen-rich clear epidermal cells with neutrophilic exocytosis, dermal eosinophils appeared to be a distinctive feature. The anatomic site and association with atopic dermatitis suggested that CCA-like lesions of nipple/areola might represent a manifestation of atopic eczema involving nipple/areola. Topical steroids could be effective. LIMITATIONS:This was a retrospective study with limited cases. CONCLUSIONS:Although CCA-like lesions of the nipple/areola shared histopathological features with classic CCA, their clinical changes were consistent with dermatitis. We propose to name this condition CCA-like eczematous dermatitis of the nipple/areola.
Radiesse is a soft tissue filler which has been widely used for cosmetic enhancement. The safety of Radiesse has been thoroughly investigated via numerous studies. A late-onset complication of Radiesse injection consists of foreign body granulomas, with only three case reports in over 10 years of clinical use. Herein, we describe the case of a patient who experienced alopecia with foreign body granulomas at the injection region one month after receiving a Radiesse injection. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the English literature of alopecia as an adverse event associated with Radiesse injection. The present case reminded physicians to evaluate more cautiously the necessity of injecting filler into hair-bearing area for lifting purpose. This procedure may cause foreign body granulomatous reaction, which may result in hair loss at the injection region.
Background Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) includes a broad range of dermatologic manifestations. Periorbital involvement, however, is a relatively rare clinical presentation of CLE. Objectives This clinical study aimed to investigate the characteristics of this unique presentation of CLE in tertiary medical centers. Methods We enrolled patients with periorbital erythema and swelling as the presenting sign of lupus erythematosus, from January 2003 to November 2017, using the data of 553 pathologically proven CLE cases from the registration database of the Chang Gung Memorial Hospitals in Taiwan. Results We enrolled a total of 25 patients. The mean age was 46.7 years and 68% of the patients were female. Most of the patients (84.0%) presented with unilateral involvement, with the left orbit involved in 15 patients (60%); the upper eyelid was the most frequently involved (72%). Mean duration between the onset of clinical manifestations and the diagnosis of CLE was approximately 59 weeks. Nineteen patients had been previously misdiagnosed. All patients had features compatible with CLE on histopathological examination. In contrast, laboratory analysis of the autoimmune profile often revealed negative results, including those for antinuclear antibodies (25%). Notably, anti-SSA/SSB (45.5%) showed the highest positive rate. During follow-up, six patients developed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and two patients developed Sjögren syndrome. Conclusions The diagnosis of CLE presenting as periorbital erythema and swelling is often delayed because of clinical mimicry and the high proportion of negative results on autoantibody tests. Increased clinical suspicion and prompt histopathological examination are crucial for early diagnosis. Moreover, one-fourth of the patients ultimately developed SLE, which highlights the importance of clinical awareness.
Idiopathic lymphoplasmacellular mucositis (ILPM) is a group of disorders histologically characterized by dense infiltrates of lymphocytes and plasma cells in submucosa. These lesions were initially observed on the glans penis and vulva, and later on buccal mucosa, lips, gingiva, tongue, epiglottis, larynx and other mucosal surfaces have also been reported. We have reviewed the previously reported cases of ILPM with lip involvement, outlining the clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of the entity to date. The etiology of ILPM is unknown, and the diagnosis is largely one of exclusion. To date, no consensus or consistently effective treatment for ILPM is available. Herein, we report an 18‐year‐old woman presented with markedly swollen lips with severe erosions, bleeding and yellow to black crusts who was diagnosed to have ILPM by histopathological study. The case occurred on rare lip site with an unusual appearance. Various treatment modalities were tried, but the responses were unsatisfactory and the lesion only responded to long‐term administration of oral steroids.
Background: Protothecosis is an uncommon infection caused by achlorophyllic algae. It may affect skin, bursa, and the internal organs. There have been only limited numbers of case reports. The detailed clinical and pathological features and their outcomes are variable.